In Columbo's version of reality, murder is committed by gentlemen and ladies of
distinction. Killers are not junkies or maniacs or street-gangs, but rather
intelligent individuals, generally wealthy or famous and accomplished, who play by a
certain set of rules.

Columbo's career is a series of intellectual jousts with these brilliant gamesters who may
be killers but they abide by the proper protocols: it's one thing to shoot a business
rival, but quite another, my dear fellow, to engage in crude car chases and muggings.
Columbo does not need to carry a gun.

When the game is up, the murderers graciously bow to Columbo and recognize
the check-mate. They may even congratulate Columbo. They never need to be
led away in, heaven forbid, handcuffs or chains. "That won't be necessary,
Sergeant".

But once in a while, Columbo runs into a scoundrel who doesn't like to play
by The Rules -- a rotter who ACTUALLY TRIES TO KILL COLUMBO!!!

Killer levels her gun at Columbo. "You don't really want to do that,
maam. Policemen outside, what would be the point? Besides,...You're much too classy
a woman. Now get dressed, maam. Take all the time you need."

Killer William Shatner as Fielding Chase grabs for his shotgun in the trunk of his car, to
blow Columbo away on the deserted road where Columbo has just proved his point about the
cell-phone. Columbo saw it coming, and a bunch of
plainclothes cops on bicycles glide in to the rescue.

Killer Helen Shaver as Vivian Dimitri thinks Columbo has eaten poison marmalade, and brags
about her whole plot as Columbo appears to be dying.
Surprise,...Columbo saw it coming and faked the poisoning to get a confession.
"You wanted to kill my wife, and you would have killed me. I take that very
personally."

Killer Anthony Andrews as Elliott Blake tries to kill Columbo in the Guillotine -
"It's the labels, Sir -- 'Safe' and 'Danger' ... I have to admit I was very cynical,
Mr. Blake -- I reversed the labels."